Tasting Note No.39
For some reason I've never been too keen on wines from St.Emilion, even the 1979 Chateau CHEVAL BLANC disappointed me (but not Adair, he loved the stuff) however, I quite liked this one from the satellite region of Lussac. The estate was owned by the Dubard family until 2001. The winemaker for this vintage was Serge Dubard. The 25 years old vines are planted on 28 hectares. This wine is made of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The blend spent 12 months in oak, 50% of the barrels were new. The label features two Scottish swords, hence the name of the property: The Claymore.
Colour bright cherry red, quite light, compared to most Australian reds. The nose is fragrant, lot's of gamey characters there with interesting burnt rubber, cooked plums and red berry aromas. It's easy to tell that this wine is from the Bordeaux area. The palate is medium bodied with generous fruit and a lovely sweet plum core. Controlled, balanced and long aftertaste with fine gripping tannins. Definitely a food wine, just coming out of it's shell now. Will be better drinking from next year until 2010. Quality grainy oak on the finish. Short of stunning and great but extremely decent and well made. I liked it for it's balance and complex flavours. It cost AU $41 and that is fair, you'll get a good wine.
Tasted:March 2004